2013 Dodge Dart Hits the Mark with IIHS Top Safety Pick+

While the compact-car segment as a whole saw mixed results in the latest round of crash testing from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2013 Dodge Dart proved its smaller size doesn’t sacrifice passenger safety, earning a coveted Top Safety Pick+ rating. That top honor from the IIHS joins the Dart’s earlier 5-Star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in building the new model’s reputation for superior safety.

To be designated as a Top Safety Pick+, a vehicle must achieve the top rating of “good” in four out of five IIHS crash evaluations, which include moderate-overlap-front, small-overlap-front, side, rear and rollover tests. Additionally, the model is required to rate no less than “acceptable” in the fifth test. Helping the Dodge Dart meet those stringent criteria were its segment-leading 10 standard airbags and a body structure composed of 68 percent high-strength steel.

“Most of the other compact cars that received a Top Safety Pick+ look like their designers played it safe with their styling as well, but the Dodge Dart features a bold exterior while also providing excellent crash protection,” said Richard Gill, owner of Brigham-Gill Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, a Natick, Massachusetts Dodge dealership. “That means Dart buyers don’t need to give up their sense of driving excitement to gain peace of mind on the road.”

With more than 60 standard or available safety and security features, the 2013 Dodge Dart is also designed to prevent accidents from happening in the first place. The optional ParkView Rear Back Up Camera gives the driver a view from behind on the Uconnect touch screen, while the available ParkSense Rear Park Assist System incorporates ultrasonic sensors to identify objects in the vehicle’s rear path. On Dart Limited and GT models, buyers can opt for Dodge’s radar-based Rear Cross Path Detection technology, which alerts the driver if it detects any lateral motion that could result in a collision as the car backs up.

The Dodge Dart provides not only a variety of safety options, but also an abundance of ways for buyers to customize their ride when it comes to performance and styling. The choice of three four-cylinder engines lets drivers find an ideal mix of responsiveness and fuel efficiency, ranging from 184 horsepower in the 2.4-liter Tigershark engine to up to 41 mpg on the highway when the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo powerplant is combined with the Aero Package. Outside, buyers can choose from 16-, 17- or 18-inch wheels in a finish that suits their personality, whether it is satin silver, tech silver, polished or segment-exclusive Hyper-Black.

“There simply isn’t another car in the segment that matches the Dart’s range of options, whether you’re looking at performance and fuel economy, styling, technology or safety,” added Gill. “While other automakers might skimp in one of those areas to cut the costs of their compact, Dodge lets buyers check off all the boxes in the Dart without greatly inflating the price tag in the process.”

About Brigham-Gill Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram:

Family-owned Brigham-Gill Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram has been helping Metro West drivers find new and used Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge and Ram vehicles for the past 45 years. They also provide expert auto service and OEM Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep parts, all backed up by their friendly, professional staff. Check out their wide selection of new and pre-owned cars, trucks and SUVs at www.brighamgillmotorcars.com, or stop by their dealership, located at 817 Worcester Road (Route 9) in Natick, Massachusetts. You can reach them by phone at 877-881-6196 or like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/brighamgill to get the latest Jeep, Chrysler, Ram and Dodge news.